Join Karen New Year celebrations

Wimmera Karen communities have joined forces to present an inaugural Horsham Karen New Year celebration at the weekend.

Event spokesman Htoo Kaw Jah said Happy Karen New Year 2758 at Horsham Town Hall on Saturday would feature a morning of colour, food and celebration.

“We’ve previously only had a celebration in Nhill in the region but we also have 120 Karen people in Horsham and Laharum. A lot of people have been asking to have one in Horsham, so we are,” he said.

“Not many people realise we have a large Karen community in Horsham as well as Nhill.”

Mr Jah said the plan was to alternate Karen New Year celebrations between Horsham and Nhill.

He encouraged Wimmera people to get involved and bring their friends and family to the celebration, which starts at 10.30am and will run until 12.30pm.

The celebration program will include cultural performances such as a Doe Dance and Bamboo Dance and a traditional meal prepared by the Karen community.

Organisers have asked attendees for a gold coin donation.

People seeking more information about the Karen New Year event in Horsham can call Htoo Kaw on 0425 000 817 or Kaw Doh on 0431 311 343.